First of all, apologies to anyone who might have wondered where I’ve been. Between commuting and health issues (migraines) I’ve found myself unable to do much reading and even less work on the computer when I’m home because my brain simply would not allow it. The way around this-audio books! I swear, as time goes on this medium has kept me going and enjoying my time without straining my eyes and brain which is a great relief. Now, onto the reason we’re all here – THE BOOKS.

Twelve books in. If you’re this far then let’s be clear, this title, more than any other in the series so far, is very fitting. This is the first book in the series that I will not be calling a “Throwback” as, well it was published and 2010 so, technically within the last decade. (Weirdly enough, when I think ten years ago I think of the late 1990s/early 2000s…anyone else?)

So, here we are, eleven books into the Dresden Files series. If you’re here, wondering if you should read this installment of the series, I’ll repeat myself from reviews past. Are you really going to give up on Harry Dresden now? Also, as a fun side note, this book is the last one I will be calling a “Throwback” as it’s currently 2017 and this was published in 2009. The book after this, Changes was published in 2010 and for me, that’s not as much of a throwback as the first eleven books in this series.

It seems that Jim Butcher felt we were long overdue for some time with with the fairies as we see Queen Mab come back into Harry’s life and demand one of her favors from Harry. It also appears that we were overdue for some involvement from Gentleman John Marcone as the plot of this book is brought on by his capture.

Here’s the thing. If you’re reading a review for book number eight in a series you’re either already hooked (like me) or you’re uncertain about going forward. Either way you’ve made it more than halfway through the series (as it currently stands at 15 books) so, really, are you going to quit on Harry Dresden now? Your choice.

There are certain things that Harry Dresden cannot, and will not, abide by. Threatening his friends (in this case, Karrin Murphy) is one of them. Another, is necromancy. But, when his arm is twisted into finding the lost information on an old necromancy spell that could rip the world in half the blackmail on Murphy is too much and Harry must make a deal with what he feels may be the closest thing to the devil, a Black Court vampire named Mavra.

When you think of Chuck Palahniuk I’m sure most people think of perhaps his most well known work, Fight Club, which I understand, given how well written it is and what a hit the move became. But, let’s look at another work of his that is just as sharp and witty to read as Fight Club. I might not have loved it as much, and it seems many fans agree, but still the book is worth the read if you can get into it.

When White Court Vampire Thomas Raith joins Harry on an errand (well, a rescue mission) to save stolen puppies (yes, stolen puppies) Harry thinks his night is interesting enough. Add in gorrilla demons and it’s another thing entirely. Things only get weirder when one of the puppies stows away in Harry’s car. He’s amused but also alarmed as the dog, while a great security system which alerts him to an attack by the Black Court, Harry really doesn’t know what to do with the puppy. Let’s just say Mister doesn’t approve of the new house guest. And this, like always, is just the start to Harry’s next insane adventure. And boy is this book a doozy.

Harry’s ex, Susan Rodriguez (half-vampire)is back, just in time for evil fallen angels, a duel with the Red Court’s champion, a missing mystical Shroud he’s been asked to help find and a diseased headless corpse that CPD needs help dealing with. If Harry’s life wasn’t already complicated his good friend and Knight of the Cross, Michael Carpenter, is there to help Harry when it’s needed, and throw another wrench into the already complicated few days Harry is having.